"One of three things can happen when life deals you a bitter blow. You can let it destroy you, define you, or strengthen you."

A gentle clopping underpinned his words, drawing attention to them but not at an overwhelming volume. Jack rocked slightly on the stallion, a bay roan with glossy black hair falling from its mane and tail. The horse was one of his own, unraced to remain impartial, but well trained and keen. He shook his head in response to the direction given by his rider. Steam ejected from flared nostrils. Mezzo often preferred to travel around the city by horse. He was exposed to the open air of the streets and had greater control than he would being chauffeured around in the back seat of an automobile.  

"The recent collapse of organized criminal activity in California has drawn my attention something. I always find it unfortunate to see children picking through the remains of their losses after an event such as this, of what is left of men and women of significant stature."

At the head of the horse, young associates paced themselves alongside the pair and ensured that the beast stayed true to its course. They listened to the words with interest, some took note to publish out for others to study at a later date.

"However, it has come to my attention that there were a number of individuals whose family lines had only just began work in this life in Los Angeles, or achieved positions previously never before achieved. Despite the frustration and pain of loss, to me this is something worth celebrating. It means there is still fresh and competent blood filling our ranks. It means there are still talented, willing mentors and eager learners, both fulfilling their roles for the betterment of our business."

Mezzo remained in thought for a moment. The horse snorted into the frigid breeze, his hooves rhythmically clapping against paving stones which echoed down the street. Jack spoke once more to the associates.

"I'd like to make time to congratulate the kin of those men and women, and encourage anyone who lost a parent in that city to continue pushing. Take what you've learnt and achieve more with it. Share it, find someone who needs that guidance. Don't let vendettas define you, and certainly don't let a single loss destroy your spirit.

They came to a stop, having left the center of the city. The group now looked out over the Delaware. The stallion paced on the spot, Jack offered a reassuring pat.

"I might also offer two pieces of advice. There are many great leaders in this world today, a number of whom I expect are taking advantage of these diplomatic times to pay close attention to the development needs of their people. Make sure you use the resources that are available to you, learn from the examples provided by your leaders."

"And second... ultimately, everyone dies. Expect death, come to peace with that fact and the possible reasons why. Until that time comes, do what you can so you're able to say you're happy with what you did in life. Have satisfaction with the examples you leave behind and the achievements you made."

NathanExplosion approaches JackMezzo and smiles. He lightly pats the horse on the nose before speaking.

Mr. Mezzo, my apologies for not coming out to comment sooner. When I first heard your speech I made a mental note to have a word, but other things came up and it slipped my mind. I'm disappointed to find that so few people have spoke up, or even listened to what you had to say, because you did say it so very well.

"And second... ultimately, everyone dies. Expect death, come to peace with that fact and the possible reasons why. Until that time comes, do what you can so you're able to say you're happy with what you did in life. Have satisfaction with the examples you leave behind and the achievements you made."

This is a lesson that not only new bloodlines, but even many of our older ones should take to heart. Death is certain. Living a memorable life, and improving the life of others, are what we should all focus on. There is no more important task for those of us that have knowledge, than passing it on to younger generations. If I can look back on my life and know that I achieved success in improving those in my service, and those I work with, I will be a very happy and satisfied (dead) man.

I hope that some of these newer bloodlines take the time to hear what you said, because nothing is worse for our world than promising young lines leaving our thing without fulfilling their potential.

Indifference fell out of an alleyway and looked somewhat disheveled.  He'd been preoccupied for the last little while, but like his boss nathanexplosion, he had also made a mental note to come and speak after Jackmezzo.  He thought of a something his mother told him when he had to leave the hockey rink and he didn't want to.

"Don't be sad you're leaving, be happy you came."

He thought about this and applied a little twist to how it now applied to his life in the mafia...

"Don't be angry you died, be happy you lived." 

"Jack, you are a man of honour, and I think that more of us should aspire to your ideals.  We've had another removal since you made this speech, and lots of angry little children are speaking about things of the past.  The fact is, if we dug deep enough on all of our pasts, I think that we'd find things that we aren't proud of.  What we have is the present.  Not much is guaranteed to us here in this life.  I think we all need to enjoy the moment for what it is, and move on when it's over.  Thank you for coming out and sharing your thoughts."

Indifference pulled his flask out of his back pocket and shook it around angily.  It was empty.  Indifference scowled as he ran off to the speakeasy to see if he could get it refilled.